Eknath Shinde To Return As Maharashtra Chief Minister? NDA In Huddle (image- twitter/mieknathshinde)

Amid speculation over leadership in Maharashtra, discussions are intensifying within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The BJP and Shiv Sena factions are set to meet this afternoon, with the future of Eknath Shinde as Chief Minister at the centre of deliberations.

Shinde’s supporters highlight his role in mobilising women voters, a key factor being discussed in the coalition’s sweeping victory in the recent assembly elections. A senior BJP leader, according to sources, has cautioned against replacing Shinde, emphasising that doing so after campaigning with him as the face of the alliance could harm the BJP’s image as a reliable coalition partner.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is believed to be prioritising trust among alliance partners, is reportedly keen on ensuring stability within the NDA. The BJP, while the dominant force in the coalition, is moving cautiously to maintain goodwill with its allies, particularly the Shiv Sena, its oldest ideological partner.

The Mahayuti alliance—comprising Shinde’s Shiv Sena, Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, and the BJP—achieved a historic win, leading in 236 of Maharashtra’s 288 seats. This decisive victory, which is being attributed to Modi’s credibility and grassroots efforts by leaders like Shinde and Ajit Pawar by political observers, showcased the BJP’s strategic recovery following setbacks in Lok Sabha polls.

Key factors behind the win, which are being discussed, include welfare schemes such as the ‘Ladki Behen’ initiative, benefiting women, and targeted outreach to Other Backward Castes (OBCs). Many argue that consolidating Hindutva and Marathi voter support also proved crucial.

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With the Shiv Sena deeply embedded in the state’s political identity and the long journey in the growth of NDA bloc in the state and country, the BJP faces a delicate decision. Retaining Shinde could, as observers believe, reinforce the alliance’s unity, ensuring continued trust as the NDA eyes future electoral battles in the politically sensitive state.